XMSR Remote & Trigger User Guide Bowens International Ltd. Gilberd Court, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9WN, UNITED KINGDOM. email: info@bowens.co.uk tel: +44(0)1206 832650 Bowens.co.uk BWL0850 BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 2-3 Bowens.co.uk 14/11/2016 13:20 Congratulations on purchasing your new Bowens product. Thank you for choosing the XMSR radio and remote trigger. The Bowens XMSR has been designed by working closely with photographers to develop a unit that meets the exacting high standards demanded by todays working professionals, while remaining simple and intuitive to use. The XMSR has been created as a system remote that will operate multiple type lighting units including monolights and generator systems. As a result some features and functions included in the XMSR may be mutually exclusive of certain compatible products. In order to obtain the full benefit from your purchase, please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with this user manual. For more information about Bowens products or to find details of your nearest Bowens dealer, please visit the website. Bowens.co.uk page left intentionally blank BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 4-5 14/11/2016 13:20 4 Table of Contents Safety Instructions 5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Safety precautions Environmental safety Radio frequency Final disposal FCC Information
. 5
. 5
. 5
. 5
. 5 XMSR Appellation
. 6 QUICK CONTROL GUIDE Batteries Power On Functions
. 7
. 7
. 7 OPERATION Flash Trigger Remote Control Camera Release Pairing Channels Groups Flash Test Menu Reset
. 8
. 8
. 8
. 9
. 1 0
. 1 1
. 1 1
. 1 1 SLAVE SETTINGS Flash Power Modelling Lamp Modelling Lamp On/Off Head On/Off Modelling Mode Ready Indication Mode Recharge Speed Sync (Photocell)
. 1 2
. 1 2
. 1 2
. 1 3
. 1 3
. 1 3
. 1 4
. 1 4 REMOTE SETTINGS Transmit/Receive Mode Function Fast Sync Fast Sync Time Sleep Time Display On Time Menu On Time Input Sync Offset Channel Cycling
. 1 5
. 1 5
. 1 6
. 1 7
. 1 7
. 1 8
. 1 8
. 1 9
. 2 0 UN-PAIRING Un-pairing
. 2 1 SPECIFICATIONS USB Input Specifications
. 2 2
. 2 2 Precautions Always study and understand this user guide and accompanying safety instructions before using this unit. Make sure that the Bowens Instruction and Safety Instructions always accompany this unit. Bowens products are intended for professional photographic use only and should not be used for any other purpose. Equipment should only be serviced, modified or repaired by authorised and competent service personnel. Environmental Safety Do not place or use the unit where it could be exposed to moisture, dripping, splashing, extreme electromagnetic fields or in areas with flammable liquids, gases or dust. Do not expose the unit to rapid temperature changes in humid conditions as this can lead to internal condensation. When transporting the unit between cold and warm conditions always allow the unit to acclimatise for at least two hours. Radio Frequency This equipment makes use of the radio spectrum for triggering and remote control and therefore receives and emits radio frequency energy. Ensure that all specifications within this document are followed, especially those concerning operating temperature and supply voltage range. Make sure that the unit is operated according to local regulations. The frequency spectrum that this unit uses is shared with other users so interference either with this unit or with other users is possible. Final Disposal This unit contains electrical and electronic components that could be harmful to the environment. Follow local legal requirements for separate disposal of waste, for instance WEEE directive for electrical and electronic equipment on the European market at the end of the product life. FCC Information This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCCID: 2AI2WXMS FCC Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment. FCC Statement: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. i e d u g r e s u R S M X s t n e t n o C f o e b a T l
. k u o c s n e w o B i e d u g r e s u R S M X s n o i t c u r t s n I y t e f a S
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 6-7 14/11/2016 13:20 6 XMSR Appellation Quick Start Guide 7 i e d u g r e s u R S M X 1 2 n o i t a l l e p p A S M X
. k u o c s n e w o B The XMSR wireless remote permits high speed triggering and adjustment of settings on Bowens XMS range flash. The XMSR also provides a number of advanced features that greatly extend the functions available, including input sync bias and channel cycling. Devices controlled by the XMSR wireless remote are termed as slaves, the XMSR itself being the master. Slave devices maybe monolights, packs or another remote configured as a receiver. To avoid false triggering of slaves by photographers using another master within the immediate area, slaves are first associated to a master that is to control it. This is a one off process. The use of groups enable slaves operating on the same channels to be divided into sub-
sets. This allows the settings of slaves to be adjusted independently while still triggering all slaves on that channel simultaneously. 5 6 7 8 9 10 3 4 11 Primary Function Power on/off Battery compartment Micro USB connector Sync output 3.5mm jack Colour display Go to group sub-menu Modelling lamp power increase Go to channel sub-menu Modelling lamp decrease Go to group sub-menu Flash test / Exit sub-menus Flash power increase Go to channel sub-menu Flash power decrease Sync input 3.5mm jack Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Ident. PWR BTCM MUSB SKT1 DPLY M+
M-
ENT P+
P-
SKT2 12 13 14 15 Secondary Function Increase sub-menu value Move to previous sub-menu Decrease sub-menu value Flash test / Confirm Move to next sub-menu Batteries Before powering up the XMSR you must first ensure the correct size and battery type (2 x AAA) are inserted into the unit. To insert batteries first remove the battery compartment cover by pressing on the side (as indicated on the cover) and pulling it away from the main unit. Insert the correct battery type and replace the battery compartment cover. Power On To power on the XMSR press and hold the power on/off button (see page 5). When the XMSR powers up it will first display the Bowens logo, followed by a screen indicating the keypad configuration. Functions Below is a list of the functions and available settings for the XMSR Remote & Trigger. Summary CH GR MD FS FST ML MM HD IM ST SC RS DT FN SO CC SP SU MT EXT Function Channel Group Mode Fast Sync Fast Sync Time Modelling Modelling Mode Head Indication Mode Sleep Time Sync Recharge Speed Display on Time Function Input Sync Offset Channel Cycling Pairing Un-Pairing Menu on Time Extended Menu Description Selects Channels 1-16 Selects Groups 1-9 Operation Mode: Transmit (Tx) or Receive (Rx) Fast Sync on/off Select Fast Sync Time 1 - 30mins Modelling on/off Selects Modelling Mode: Max, Auto, Free, Prop Head on/off Selects Indication Mode: Off, Beep, Dim, Dim & Beep Selects Sleep Time: 5 - 180mins Selects Photocell Sync Mode: Off, Cell, Pre-Cell Set Flash Recharge Speed: 10 - 100%
Set Display on Time: 15 - 180secs Selects Remote Function: Trigger, Trigger & Remote, Remote Set interval between the remote triggering and its outputs firing. Select number of channels to be fired sequentially Pairs remote to compatible slave devices Un-Pairs remote to paired slave devices Set menu on time 1 - 60secs Turns access to extended menu functions on/off i e d u g r e s u R S M X i e d u G t r a t S k c u Q i
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 8-9 14/11/2016 13:20 8 Quick Start Guide Operation 9 i e d u g r e s u R S M X i e d u G t r a t S k c u Q i
. k u o c s n e w o B Flash Trigger Any slave devices that have a built-in XMSR receiver can be triggered via the XMSR Remote and Trigger. Slave devices that do not have a built-in XMSR receiver can be triggered by connecting an XMSR (using the correct cable) that has been set to receive mode (Rx). Only paired slave device (flash or remote) set to the same channel as the master XMSR will fire when a trigger signal is received. Tx CAMERA SLAVE Rx Tx Rx CAMERA SLAVE Rx Remote Control Bowens XMSR Remote and Trigger can be used to remotely control paired slaved devices with built-in XMSR receivers. Full control over all functions and available settings can be remotely controlled / set via the XMSR Remote and Trigger. Only slaved devices operating on the same group as the master XMSR will be remotely controlled. Group 9 on the XMSR Remote and Trigger transmits to all groups. NOTE: If the XMSR Remote and Trigger is transmitting in Group 9, any paired slave devices operating on the same channel will automatically revert to the same settings as the remote. For the remote to communicate with other slave devices on the XMSR network they must first be associated or paired and be operating on the same channel. For settings such as flash power and modelling power to be adjusted, the slave must also be on the same group as the remote. Pairing In order for an XMSR to control / trigger a compatible slave device, it must first be paired Pairing associates each slave device to the remote, thereby ensuring they only accept commands from your remote. Slave devices may be monolights, generator packs or other remotes operating as receivers. Pairing of each slave device is required only once as these associations are retained by the remote and slave devices even when powered down. To commence pairing press the MENU button on the XMS until the display shows Pr to indicate Pairing mode. The display will alternate between showing Pr and nP for new pair. Press the Rotary Control to request pairing with the XMSR. The XMS unit will now display a steady nP. On the XMSR, scroll through the menu to the Start Pairing (SP) option. Press enter to start pairing. The XMSR will now search for the XMS unit and attempt to Pair. When the XMS unit is found its display will change to show a random number alternating with nP and will finish by displaying FP for Finished Pair. If the Sounder is enabled then this is also accompanied by a short sequence of beeps. This operation could be almost instantaneous or take up to 30 seconds. The XMS unit will automatically acknowledge Pairing to the XMSR. Note: Only one slave device should be in teaming mode at any one time. i e d u g r e s u R S M X n o i t a r e p O
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 10-11 14/11/2016 13:20 10 Operation i e d u g r e s u R S M X On receiving the confirmation signal from the slave, the remote will display Pairing Complete indicating that pairing has been successful. If the pairing session has not completed, or has been unsuccesful, the XMSR will time-out after a period of approximately 15s and the message Slave Not Found will be displayed. Repeat the pairing process again. This process should be repeated for each of your slave devices. Additional devices can be paired at any time, up to a maximum of 127 slaves. Once teamed the slave device inherits the group and channel of the remote. Channels Pairing Successful Pairing Failed Operation Groups This function allows slaves operating on the same channel to be sub-divided into 8 independently adjustable groups while still being triggered together. A group may consist of single or multiple slave devices. Group 9 transmits to ALL groups. Groups are changed as follows:
Press &
hold ENT 11 i e d u g r e s u R S M X The XMSR wireless network operates on 16 channels. For the remote to communicate with the slave devices both must be on the same channel. The channel is changed as follows:
Alternatively, to adjust the group start at the main menu and press the key. The current group setting is shown, use the and keys to select the required group. Or press &
hold ENT Starting at the main menu press the key, the channel sub-menu will be shown, displaying the current channel. Select the required channel by pressing the and keys. n o i t a r e p O Flash Test Pressing the ENT key at any time (other than when in pairing or un-
pairing modes) test fires the flash on all paired devices on the same channel. Menu Reset This option allows the user to jump back to the main menu screen on the XMSR remote from any point within the menu system. To do this simply press and hold the ENT button. n o i t a r e p O
. k u o c s n e w o B
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 12-13 14/11/2016 13:20 12 Slave Settings i e d u g r e s u R S M X s g n i t t e S e v a S l
. k u o c s n e w o B Changes to the settings below are actioned only by slaves on the current channel & group. Settings for each group are stored, and are fully independent of each other. Slave devices are updated immediately once a setting is changed, however should a slave device be activated or changed to operate on the masters current group/channel, the remote should be test fired to synchronise the slave settings with those of the remote. NOTE: In the event the remote is set to a power level lower than that can be achieved by one of its slaves, that slave will be set to its minimum power level. In such a case the displayed values on the remote and slave will differ. Flash Power When in the main menu pressing either the P+ or P- keys adjusts the flash power. Modelling Lamp Power When in the main menu pressing either the M+ or M- keys adjusts the modelling lamp power. Modelling Lamp On/Off The modelling lamp may be switched on or off by first selecting the Modelling sub-
menu using the key, then selecting either On or Off as required using the keys. Press &
hold ENT Press &
hold ENT Press &
hold ENT Slave Settings Head On/Off The flash head can be switched on or off by first selecting the Head sub-menu using the key, then selecting either On or Off as required using the keys. Press &
hold ENT Note: Some slave devices do not support all modelling modes. These devices will continue to operate in the last valid selected mode. Modelling Mode The modelling mode can be adjusted by pressing the key until the modelling mode page is displayed. The required option can then be selected using the keys. Ready Indication Mode The flash ready indication mode can be adjusted by pressing the key until the indication mode page is displayed. The required option can then be selected using the keys. Press &
hold ENT Press &
hold ENT 13 i e d u g r e s u R S M X s g n i t t e S e v a S l
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 14-15 14/11/2016 13:20 14 Slave Settings Remote Settings 15 i e d u g r e s u R S M X Recharge Speed The Recharge Speed can be adjusted by pressing the key until the Recharge Speed page is displayed. The required option can then be selected using the keys. Press &
hold ENT NOTE: The Recharge Speed function is only compatibe with units that include this feature. Currently not supported on the XMS. With the exception of the Function setting these settings effect only the operation of the remote and do not change settings on the slave device. Transmit / Receive Mode The mode setting determines how the remote will operate. When set to Tx the remote transmits settings/sync trigger commands to slave devices. In the Rx mode the remote acts as a slave device enabling it to be used to trigger flash devices, or act as a camera release. While in the Rx mode the Slave Settings are not active. In Rx mode the remote will not respond to commands until it has been paired with the remote controlling it. As with the pairing of other slave devices this is a once only process. The mode of operation can be changed by pressing the key until the Mode page is displayed. The mode is then selected using the keys. Sync (Photocell) The cell sync can be adjusted by pressing the key until the Sync page is displayed. The required option can then be selected by pressing the keys. Press &
hold ENT Press &
hold ENT i e d u g r e s u R S M X s g n i t t e S e v a S l
. k u o c s n e w o B Note: the XMSR network permits the use of up to 8 master devices (remotes in Tx mode), however to avoid setting conflicts only one of these must have the Remote function enabled (see below). Function This setting is only active when in Tx mode. The function mode allows you to select the amount of functionality the remote is to have. It may be set to Remote & Trigger thereby enabling both adjustment of slave settings & sync triggering. Remote Only disables sync triggering & Trigger Only disables the adjustment of slave settings. The function can be changed by pressing the key until the Function page is displayed. The mode is then selected using the keys. s g n i t t e S e t o m e R
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 16-17 14/11/2016 13:20 16 Remote Settings Remote Settings 17 i e d u g r e s u R S M X Function Cont. Fast Sync Time Press &
hold ENT The Fast Sync Time page is only visible when the fast sync option is enabled. This determines how long Fast Sync will remain active after the last trigger pulse before reverting back to normal sync speed. An interval of up to 30 minutes can be selected. Selecting 0 disables the time-out and the remote will remain in the Fast Sync mode indefinitely, however it is advised that this is only done when connected to an external power supply source via the USB port. The Fast Sync time can be changed by pressing the key until the Fast Sync Time page is displayed then selecting the required duration using the keys. i e d u g r e s u R S M X Fast Sync Fast Sync mode enables Leaf Shutter cameras to sync at speeds faster than their standard X-Sync. The X-Sync speed for Leaf Shutters is generally limited to the mechanical speed limitations of the shutter, usually around 1/800th of a second. Fast Sync mode on the XMSR allows greater speeds than 1/800th second which in some cases can increase up to 1/1600th second. The Fast Sync option permits high speed triggering. Due to its impact on battery life this opttion is only enabled for a period of time, specified on the Fast Sync Time page. Sleep Time Press &
hold ENT Fast sync can be enabled by pressing the key until the Fast Sync page is displayed then selected On or Off as required using the keys. s g n i t t e S e t o m e R Press &
hold ENT Sleep time is the length of time the remote remains powered-up after the last trigger pulse was received or key pressed. An interval of up to 180 minutes can be selected. Selecting 0 disables the time-out and the remote will remain active indefinitely. The sleep time can be changed by pressing the key until the Sleep Time page is displayed then selected the required duration using the keys. s g n i t t e S e t o m e R Press &
hold ENT
. k u o c s n e w o B
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 18-19 14/11/2016 13:20 18 Remote Settings Remote Settings 19 Display On Time Input Sync Offset The Display On Time is the duration the remotes screen remains on after the last button press. An interval of up to 180 seconds can be selected. Selecting 0 disables the time-out and the display will remain active indefinitely, however it is advised that this is only done when connected to an external power supply source via the USB port. The display on time can be changed by pressing the key until the Display On Time page is displayed then selected the required duration using the keys. Press &
hold ENT Menu On Time The Menu On Time is the duration the remotes screen remains on a menu page after the last press. Once the time period has expired the remote will revert back to the main page. An interval of up to 180 seconds can be selected. Selecting 0 disables the time-out and the display will remain active indefinitely, however it is advised that this is only done when connected to an external power supply source via the USB port. The display on time can be changed by pressing the key until the Display On Time page is displayed then selected the required duration using the keys. Press &
hold ENT i e d u g r e s u R S M X s g n i t t e S e t o m e R
. k u o c s n e w o B i e d u g r e s u R S M X To access the Input Sync Offset screen you must first turn on the extended menu. The Input Sync Offset function allows adjustment of the interval between the remote being triggered and its outputs (sync output connector or radio sync command transmission) being fired. In this mode the remote and camera are triggered from an external manual release. The Timebase defines the range over which the Input Sync Offset will operate. There are three time ranges available 0-999 seconds, 0-999 milliseconds, and 0-990 microseconds. This allows the delay value to have a wide range while permitting rapid adjustment. When the remote is operating in Tx mode the value may be set positive or negative within the range selected in the Timebase menu. Positive values cause the remotes local sync output to trigger in advance of the radio sync command being translitted. A negative value causes the remotes local sync output to be triggered after the transmission radio sync command. Selecting a value other than zero enables this function. When the remote is operating in the Rx mode the input sync delay function adds the delay between the sync command being received and the sync output being triggered. In this mode only positive values may be entered. Or press &
hold ENT To set the input sync offset time press the key until the Input Sync Offset page is displayed then use the keys to select the offset range. Use the keys to adjust the selected timebase range, and the keys to select the required timebase. NOTE: To use the Input Sync Offset function a trigger switch / release with a 3.5mm jack connection, and a camera compatible motor-
drive cable with a 3.5mm jack connection is required. s g n i t t e S e t o m e R
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 20-21 14/11/2016 13:20 20 Remote Settings Un-Pairing 21 i e d u g r e s u R S M X s g n i t t e S e t o m e R
. k u o c s n e w o B Input Sync Offset Cont. To use of the Input Sync Offset function the camera / lens must be set to manual focus. When ready to take a photograph first half press the cameras trigger button to enable the cameras pre-focus and to prepare the camera to trigger. Then press the trigger switch / release to fire the XMSR which will then trigger the lighting and the cameras motor-drive in sequence according to the values set. Channel Cycling To access the channel cycling screen you must first turn on the extended menu. Channel cycling permits slave devices on different channels to be triggered in sequence. Starting at Channel 1, each time a sync pulse is received from the camera, or ENT is pressed, the remote advances the transmission channel. Once the remote reaches the channel specified, the next sync pulse causes the channel to revert to channel 1. For example if channel cycling is set to 4, the sequence of channels will be 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3 etc. To set channel cycling press the key until the Channel Cycling page is displayed then use the keys to select the number of required channels to be cycled through. Selecting 1 disables the function. Press &
hold ENT Extended Menu The extended menu enables access to functions that are not used as often as some of the main features. Functions that can be accesed once the Extended Menu is turned on include Sync Input Offset and Channel Cycling. Note: Functions within the extended menu will remain active if a value is set when access to the extended menu is disabled. For Sync Input Offset the value must be set to 0, and Channel Cycling must be set to 1 in order for the functions to be non-
operational. In the event you should wish to remove the association between the remote and one of its slaves the un-pairing process should be used. To commence un-pairing start at the main menu and press key until the un-pairing page is displayed then press the ENT key. A warning message is displayed reminding you that once you have completed this process you will no longer be able to communicate with the slave device. If you wish to continue press the ENT key, otherwise press the key to exit. Another message is now displayed instructing you to set the slave device you wish to un-
team into un-teaming mode. Once this is done press the ENT key to continue. Note: Only one slave device should be in un-pairing mode at any one time. To enter un-pairing mode on the XMS press the MENU button until the display shows Pr to indicate Pairing mode. Use the Rotary Control to scroll through the available options until the display alternates between showing Pr and UP for Un-Pair. Press the Rotary Control to request pairing with the XMSR. The XMS unit will now display a steady UP. When the XMS unit is found its display will change to display a random number alternating with UP and will finish by displaying FP for Finished Pair. If the Sounder is enabled then this is also accompanied by a short sequence of beeps. This operation could be almost instantaneous or take up to 30 seconds. The XMS unit will automatically acknowledge Pairing to the XMSR. On receiving the confirmation signal from the slave, the remote will display Un-Pairing Complete indicating that un-pairing has been successful. If the un-pairing session has not completed, or has been unsuccesful, the XMSR will time-
out after a period of approximately 15s and the message Slave Not Found will be displayed. Repeat the pairing process again. i e d u g r e s u R S M X g n i r i a P
-
n U
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 22-23 14/11/2016 13:20 22 Specifications i e d u g r e s u R S M X Un-Pairing Cont. Un-Pairing Successful Un-Pairing Failed USB Input The USB input on the side of the XMSR (see page 6) can be used to externally power the remote if required. Simply insert a USB micro connector into the XMSR input and connect to a suitable power source. page left intentionally blank Specifications Frequency Band Radio Channels Groups Typical Control Range Battery Type Typical Battery Life Sync Delay Fast / Normal Dimensions mm
(H x W x D) Dimensions inches (H x W x D) Part Code:
s n o i t a c fi c e p S i 2.4GHz 16 8
>30m 2 x AAA
<18 hours continuous run time
<250S / 360S 97 x 58 x 25 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 BW5190
. k u o c s n e w o B BWL0850_XMSR_user_guide.indd 24-25 14/11/2016 13:20